The literary genre is defined as a category or classification that groups literary works based on their formal, thematic, and stylistic characteristics. In the realm of books, the genre serves as a guide to identify the type of content and the way the text is structured, making it easier for readers to choose and for authors to focus their work.

In Spanish, literary genres can encompass both narrative, poetic, and dramatic texts, as well as more technical or specialized writings. These classifications distinguish between works of fiction, such as novels and short stories, and non-fiction texts, such as essays, biographies, or scientific books.

Key Elements of Literary Genres

1. Theme: The central topic or message developed in the work.
2. Style: The language and literary devices used by the author.
3. Structure: The way the content is organized, such as chapters in novels or verses in poetry.
4. Purpose: It can be to entertain, inform, persuade, or evoke emotions in the reader.

Main Genres in Spanish Literature

1. Narrative: Includes prose stories such as short stories, novels, and myths, focused on telling a story.
2. Lyric: Focuses on the expression of emotions and feelings, often in the form of poetry.
3. Dramatic: Texts designed to be performed, such as plays.
4. Didactic: Works with an educational or reflective purpose, such as essays or treatises.

The definition and use of genres in books are essential for understanding the richness of Spanish literature and the diversity of texts available for exploration.